Property & Facility Management Cleaning in Calgary
The cleaning and sanitation of shared spaces in multi-unit residential buildings is a key part of maintaining common property. This responsibility typically falls to the property management or building maintenance team.
Regular cleaning of entryways, hallways, stairwells, and other high-traffic areas not only enhances the appearance of the building but also promotes a healthier and safer environment for all residents and visitors. Using the right equipment, techniques, and safe, effective cleaning products is essential to achieving consistent and high-quality results.
Cleaning of Building Entrances and Common Areas in Residential Complexes
Entrance areas and shared spaces in multi-unit residential buildings are considered part of the building’s common property. Keeping these areas clean is not only a matter of appearance, but also a key requirement for public health and sanitation.
Under current regulations, it is the responsibility of the property management company to ensure the proper cleaning and upkeep of these shared spaces.
This can be done using in-house staff trained in janitorial work, or by outsourcing to a professional cleaning service. In recent years, many property managers have opted for professional contractors, as it eliminates the need to manage staffing, purchase equipment and supplies, develop cleaning schedules, and maintain quality control checklists, streamlining the entire process while ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Property Managed Buildings
Maintaining cleanliness in the common areas of multi-unit residential buildings, in line with current health and sanitation standards, is the responsibility of the property management company. While the law does not require the use of in-house staff, many management companies choose to partner with professional cleaning services.
Outsourcing cleaning not only reduces administrative workload but also ensures a consistently high standard of service and adherence to agreed-upon cleaning schedules.
Typical cleaning duties include:
- Sweeping and removing debris from floors
- Wiping down railings, windowsills, mailboxes, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces
- Damp cleaning of walls and ceilings
- Washing windows and the exterior of electrical panel enclosures
- Dusting of light fixtures
Partnering with a professional cleaning company helps ensure your building remains clean, safe, and welcoming for all residents and visitors.
Cleaning Schedule and Scope of Work for Apartment, Condo & Strata Building
The cleaning of entrance areas in multi-unit residential buildings follows a structured schedule to ensure hygiene and comfort for all residents. The scope of work typically includes:
- Daily: Damp sweeping of stairwells and landings on the first two floors, elevator floors, and the area around garbage chute loading doors, including cleaning of removable waste bins
- Weekly: Damp sweeping of stairwells and landings on all floors above the second, and cleaning of garbage chute loading chambers
- Twice Monthly: Full damp cleaning of elevator cabins (walls, ceilings, and light fixtures), stairwells, and railings on all floors
- Monthly: Washing of the lower section of the garbage chute, cleaning of all chute doors, and disinfection of the chute shaft and waste bins
- Annually: Deep cleaning, including washing of radiators, windows, dirt traps at entryways, window grilles, attic and fire escape staircases, and other structural elements
The frequency of deep cleaning may be defined by the property management company or decided by the homeowners’ association but must occur at least once per year.
Consistent upkeep of these common areas not only enhances the building’s appearance but also contributes to residents' overall health and well-being.
Our Recommendations for Cleaning in Facility-Managed Buildings
Daily cleaning is a vital part of maintaining facility-managed buildings and must be carried out thoroughly and within designated timeframes to ensure consistently high standards.
Floor Cleaning Best Practices
Before beginning any wet cleaning, whether by hand or machine,it is important to start with dry cleaning using a flat mop with a static dust head. This step helps remove dust, sand, lint, and debris, protecting floor surfaces and improving overall cleaning results.
Colour-Coded Cleaning System
Following standards set by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS), all cleaning tools and supplies should be colour-coded to prevent cross-contamination. The four primary colours used are red, blue, green, and yellow, each assigned to specific zones or tasks. This system provides clear direction for cleaning staff, helping maintain hygiene protocols and reducing the risk of bacterial transfer between high-contact areas.
Understanding Cleaning Agents by pH Level
The effectiveness and appropriate use of cleaning agents are largely determined by their pH levels. The pH scale reflects the acidity or alkalinity of a product, which directly impacts how and where it should be used. Understanding pH levels is essential for selecting the right product for each surface, ensuring optimal cleaning performance while protecting people, materials, and the environment from potential harm.
By following these best practices and standards, facility managers can ensure a clean, safe, and professional environment across all areas of a building, while also optimizing the long-term care of surfaces and infrastructure.